2008 Spring Arts Breakfast of Champions

The 2008 Spring Arts Breakfast of Champions, which took place on May 21, 2008, celebrated volunteerism in the arts. Volunteers provide vital support and increase the capacity of arts and cultural organizations to accomplish their missions. The Breakfast showcased several examples of extraordinary volunteers who provided their time, energy and expertise to the arts.

BCA also officially launched its new Business Volunteers for the Arts (BVA) program. The BVA program is a volunteer matching program that pairs business professionals with arts organizations in many disciplines to accomplish skills-based consulting projects. To learn more about the BVA program, click here.

View photos from the event.

2008 Special Honorees

-BOORA Architects & Andersen Construction, Outstanding Business Commitment to Volunteerism
-Eric Friedenwald-Fishman, Exemplary Business Volunteer for the Arts
-J. Clayton Hering, The John C. Hampton Leadership Award

The Stories Behind the Awards

BOORA & Andersen Construction

PICA nominated BOORA and Andersen Construction for their unique and incredible design and construction of temporary theatres, cabarets, cafes and exhibition space for numerous Time-Based Art Festivals. Presented with the challenge of creating a temporary space out of a raw location--often a warehouse--BOORA and Andersen leveraged their expertise, talent, relationships, supplies, and staff to build structures that became the see-and-be-seen community venues during TBA. BOORA's designs were later recognized by the American Institute of Architects with an Honor Award along with many other plaudits and publications.

Eric Friedenwald-Fishman

Eric is Creative Director/President of Metropolitan Group. He has served on the Library Foundation's board since 2002, where he has generously contributed his professional skills in strategic planning, fundraising, marketing and communications. With Eric as co-chair, the Foundation's Campaign for a Lifetime of Literacy has successfully raised more than $10 million to engage children and families in reading and cultural activities. Eric also serves on the board of Willamette University and has served on the boards of Portland Center Stage and the Regional Arts and Culture Council.

J. Clayton Hering

President of Norris Beggs & Simpson, Clayton has served on the Symphony board for more than two decades. His is currently Vice Chair and leads the Development Committee. Clayton has worked tirelessly as a a strategist, a leader and a volunteer fundraiser. He has inspired many employees from his company to support our arts community, and Norris Beggs & Simpson was one of the first companies involved in Work for Art. Clayton also serves on BCA's Leadership Council, after serving nine years and as President of BCA's board. He passionately believes in the role the arts play in the cultural, economic and social well-being of our region.